Therapy gives you a safe and confidential space to talk about whatever it is that's bothering you - from feeling low, down or unmotivated, to empty and numb, angry and frustrated, lonely or sad, or anxious and on edge. 

These feelings are all normal, but sometimes they can persist and make us feel miserable and unable to enjoy life or do what we want or need to, like study, work or enjoy time with friends and family.

A counsellor or therapist will help you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours without any judgement about what you're feeling and thinking, so you can better understand yourself and others so you can bring about changes to how you're feeling.

There are a number of places locally that provide free and/or low cost counselling, and most take self-referrals so you put yourself on their waiting list and don't need your GP or a parent to do this. 

A number of national services also provide counselling - see the section on Student Support.

Hampshire

• https://www.imallears.community/ (community counselling and listening service)

• https://italk.org.uk/ (NHS Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programmes)

• https://www.stepbystep.org.uk/young-people/mental-health/counselling/ (if aged up to 17 and registered with a GP in Hampshire)

• https://www.mindworks-surrey.org/request-support (NHS service if you live in Hart or Rushmoor boroughs)

• https://hampshireyouthaccess.org.uk/

• https://nolimitshelp.org.uk/

• https://www.otr-south.org.uk/

Surrey

• https://www.imallears.community/ (community counselling and listening service)

• https://www.stepbystep.org.uk/young-people/mental-health/counselling/ (access via referral from your GP)

• https://www.mindworks-surrey.org/request-support (NHS service)

• https://www.mindmattersnhs.co.uk/ (NHS talking therapies for 17yrs+)

Sussex

• https://www.imallears.community/ (community listening and counselling service)

• https://www.sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/services/time-to-talk-talking-therapies-services-in-west-sussex/109066 (18+):